There are as many forms of love as there are moments of time - Jane Austen
Loving is our character trait for this month, and it just so happens that February is known particularly for it's 14th day when people take the opportunity to express how much they love each other. Valentine's Day can be considered tacky and commercialised and we may not agree with everything it represents, but it's arguably a pretty good idea to take some time to focus on love.
Of course, V-Day concentrates on romantic love, but how about we change the rules a little bit?
NEW RULES
- Valentine's Day is now every day.
- Once a day you have to let someone know you love them.
- Recipients of love include: Parents, children, siblings (including the annoying ones), friends, teachers, strangers, the dog (deservedly so), people on the internet, people you don't agree with, people who mock you and hate you (oooo, it's getting serious now).
- Expressions of love can come in the form of: Washing the dishes for mum, hugging a sibling, liking someones photo, telling a spouse (or anyone for that matter) how much you appreciate them, praying for the world and its residents, being available to help those in need, smiling at a stranger, sacrificing your time for the benefit of another, not snapping at someone when they are being frustrating...
In summary, the new rules make being loving into a way of life, rather than limiting it to one day of the year.
Jesus, our PRIME example says:
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15: 9-17
This February, start the trend of putting love into action every day. Yes, sometimes it is PAINFUL to choose love over anger or hurt, but fill your mind with the words of the Lord. Abide in His love, and He will give you the strength to share it with others.
To love is the greatest goal you can set for yourself in this life, and by doing so you will absolutely make a difference in this world.
Comment below any ideas you have on how to be loving in day to day life, or how someone changed your life by showing you some love.